A window on the world of Champagne
Reims Cathedral – the stained glass
During the First World War the centre of Reims and its cathedral were severely damaged and restoration work was carried out during the following decades and after the interruption of the Second World War.
Most of the original windows had been destroyed and in 1950 the association “Friends of the Cathedral”, with the support of the Maisons de Champagne, the Vignerons and some of their overseas agents, commissioned a triptych (3 part) stained glass window for the southern transept of the cathedral.
Inspiration was drawn from the medieval Champagne guilds and scenes depict the work in the vineyards, the various seasons, the steps of Champagne making, the related industries (corks, barrel making and glass blowing), the Champagne villages and important personalities of Champagne such as Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, and Dom Pérignon.
The new stained glass window was created by the artist Jacques Simon. The work includes fragments of original glass wherever possible and was inaugurated in 1954.
A photo-reportage of the elements of the window, by our friend and photographer Patrick Jassionès, will follow.
